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Weiss slight favorite to manage Rockies

Front office still interested in Giambi, Williams

By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post

Posted:
11/02/2012 11:22:23 PM MDT

Updated:
11/02/2012 11:22:26 PM MDT

DENVER -- The Rockies' search for a manager is accelerating toward the finish line. Walt Weiss and Jason Giambi, two of the four finalists, met with Rockies' front office members Friday at Coors Field.

Weiss has emerged as a slight favorite since his candidacy was revealed last week, though Giambi, Tom Runnells and Arizona coach Matt Williams remain under consideration. Weiss met with owner Dick Monfort, general manager Dan O'Dowd and assistant general manager Bill Geivett on Friday morning, with Giambi following suit later in the day. The Rockies were still trying to work through the logistics of meeting with Williams because the Diamondbacks coach is currently managing in the Arizona Fall League. They would prefer to meet with him in Denver before making a final decision.

The Rockies reached out to Weiss, 48, soon after manager Jim Tracy resigned Oct. 7. Weiss worked for the Rockies for several years following his retirement as a player, but stepped away from his job as a special assistant to the GM after the 2008 season to spend more time with his family and coaching his sons. He became the Regis Jesuit High School varsity baseball coach last spring.

However, he has reiterated over the past week that he's ready for a full-time, major league job, and is aggressively pursuing the Rockies' position.

Weiss has played, coached and scouted for the Rockies.

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He had multiple opportunities to be a big league coach under former manager Clint Hurdle but wasn't ready for the commitment at that time. The former American League Rookie of the Year is known for his knowledge, passion and level-headed demeanor. He is not intimidated by the challenge of managing in the big leagues, saying, "It's about leading men."

There is some concern he might be too quiet, but he always had a commanding presence as a player, including on Rockies' teams that featured stars Larry Walker, Andres Galarraga and Dante Bichette.

Giambi, 41, is the most intriguing candidate of the finalists. A reserve player for the Rockies since September 2009, he has become a fan favorite and a respected teammate. Giambi began thinking about managing the last few years, following the strategy of the game like a bench coach. Given the opportunity to manage against Todd Helton in an intrasquad game last spring at Salt River Fields, Giambi prepared for several days, mulling the strengths and weaknesses of his players and laboring over a lineup. It didn't change his resume, but it revealed his interest and passion in managing someday.

Giambi met with Geivett nearly two weeks ago, an interview Geivett called "very impressive." Giambi has said he would retire to manage, but is not prepared to quit playing to serve as the Rockies' hitting instructor. He has maintained a good relationship with Monfort and O'Dowd over the past three years.

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